What does Somatropin do? Benefits and evidence

Somatropin is lab-made human growth hormone. Its medical uses do not prove it slows aging or builds strength in healthy adults. Product-specific approvals cover growth hormone deficiency, certain childhood growth disorders, HIV wasting or short bowel syndrome. Swelling, joint pain and higher blood sugar are key risks.

• Different brands are approved for growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, several childhood growth disorders, HIV wasting and short bowel syndrome. (Drug label)
• In adults with growth hormone deficiency, trials found 3.1 kg less fat and 2.7 kg more lean mass on average. (Studied in a trial)
• In older adults, trials found 2.1 kg less fat and 2.1 kg more lean mass, with no clear change in weight. (Studied in a trial)
• People report better sleep, fullness, fat loss or recovery, though results and tolerance vary. (Reported by users)

Uses in the sources

• Approved for confirmed adult GH deficiency. A low IGF-1 level or age-related GH decline alone usually does not establish the diagnosis. (Drug label) (source)
• Product-specific approvals cover childhood GHD, Turner, Prader-Willi, Noonan, SHOX deficiency, SGA without catch-up growth and idiopathic short stature. (Drug label) (source)
• Serostim is approved for HIV wasting or cachexia. Zorbtive is approved for adults with short bowel syndrome receiving specialized nutrition support. (Drug label) (source)
• Used for anti-aging, but trials show small body-composition changes and more side effects. Longer life or preserved independence has not been shown. (Reported by users) (source)
• One short trial found a modest sprint gain. Strength, endurance and jump height did not improve significantly. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• Obesity trials found less fat and more lean mass, but no weight loss. Fasting blood sugar rose. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• A short human experiment increased tendon collagen synthesis. This does not prove that GH heals an injury. (Studied in a trial) (source)
• Studied as an IVF add-on. Cochrane found low to very low certainty evidence; it is not an FDA-approved fertility indication. (Studied in a trial) (source)